University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Recognition

Vilmos Misangyi associate professor of management

Book Title: Complex Organizations: A Critical Essay; 3rd Edition

Author: Charles Perrow

Selection Statement:

I first read this book in the process of studying for my PhD comprehensive examinations. To be sure, it was not part of the assigned readings in any of our seminars — it stands as an insightful analysis and critique of the major schools of thought in organizational studies.  Nonetheless, it had a profound influence on my thinking and approach to the study of organizations. In particular, it made me appreciate the importance of understanding power. More generally, it gave me a great appreciation for the need to constantly evaluate the paradigm(s) that guide one's field of study.


Year: 2011